2014 Texas Arabian Derby (G3)

BURNING FLEET runs off to win by 20 lengths in the mud

Retama Park, November 22, 2014, race 1 - BURNING FLEET proved much the best over his competitors in the Grade 3 Texas Arabian Derby for four year old Arabian colts and geldings. Running on a very muddy track he set the early pace, clear by two lengths at the quarter. Continuing to increase his lead, he crossed the finish line an astounding twenty lengths over second place runner RB Rich. BURNING FLEET's stablemate, Burning Breeze finished third.

Under guidance of jockey Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez, BURNING FLEET covered the one and one sixteenth mile course in 1 minute, 57.21 seconds. Trainer Jerenesto Torrez saddled BURNING FLEET and his coupled entry Burning Breeze. Both colts are owned and bred by Joseph and Betty Jo Gillis, and sired by Burning Sand.

BURNING FLEET is out of the mare Angel Proof, by NF Proof and was born in Mississippi. This is the bay colt's second graded stakes win in Texas. He won the Grade 2 Texas Six Shooter in March of this year at Sam Houston Race Park. He also finished third in two Grade 1 events this year, once in Texas and once in Delaware. His current lifetime record is 4 wins, 3 seconds and 3 thirds from 13 starts, with earnings of $60,268.

RB Rich gamely dug in to capture second place in late stretch. Ridden by Adrian Ramos, RB Rich is trained by Elizabeth Brand and owned by Garrett Ford. RB Rich was bred by Dianne Waldron, and is sired by TH Richie. The big grey colt is out of the mare Royale Fanfare by Monarch AH.

Third place finisher Burning Breeze is out of the mare Tri-Illusive Lady, by Seyvilla Triumph. He was ridden by Gerardo Mora.

The race prize was $23,655, and paid rewards to all finishers. The splits of the purse were $11,828 to first, $5,204 to second, $2,839 to thrid, $1,656 to fourth, $1,182 to fifth, and $946 to sixth place.

The remainder of finishers in order were A Classs Act, Chndakasexpress, and Djet Propelled.